Goodell, who serves at the pleasure of the NFL owners, made $29.5 million in 2011 according to the league's tax return, most of it courtesy of a $22.3 million bonus. By comparison, New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees is the only player in the league who has a contract that averages $20 million annually (over five years).

"The NFL is the most successful and best-managed sports league in the world," Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank, who chairs the league's compensation committee, said in a statement. "This is in no small part due to Roger's leadership and the value he brings to the table in every facet of the sport and business of the league. His compensation reflects that."